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A 150-year legacy does not happen by accident. Rider has always had a remarkable ability to adapt. Yet it is not our history alone that defines us, but our future—the ability to rethink our vision in fundamental ways, and come together to grow our students and institution as never before.

In that vision, we reimagine education as a vibrant, holistic experience, exciting and engaging in ways that go beyond classroom learning to real world experiences. Our five-year plan is a carefully crafted, actionable and measurable framework that defines our path forward, asking us all to embody this vision for Rider that will transform the student experience. With an openness to discovery, a drive to improve, big-picture thinking, and ultimately, passion for what we do, we will build a Rider community that will thrive for the next 150 years.

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Our Vision

Rider University will be a premier, forward-looking university known for its Engaged Learning Program that, together with dynamic academic programs, enriching co-curricular experiences and a vibrant living and learning community, challenges students, excites their imaginations and instills in them excellence in thought and action, preparing them for highly engaged and fulfilling professional and personal lives.

Our Mission

Rider University welcomes students from throughout the region, across the nation, and around the world who seek to be challenged and supported as active members of our inclusive and vibrant living and learning community. Committed to student growth, transformation and leadership, we connect rigorous academic, artistic and professional programs of study with a rich array of learning experiences that engage students inside and outside the classroom. We prepare graduates to thrive professionally and to be lifelong independent learners and responsible citizens who embrace diversity, support the common good, and contribute meaningfully to the changing world in which they live and work.

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Our PROMISE

Our students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators live the Rider Promise by being forever:

Prepared to contribute meaningfully to the changing world in which they live and workRespectful of all people, rights, freedoms and individual differencesOpen to a life of independent learningMotivated to be responsible citizens who support the common goodInnovative, creative and resourcefulSkilled and thriving professionals, educators, artists and performersEngaged in their communities as leaders and role models

The Rider Promise is offered as a representation of the new mission in response to feedback from students during the strategic planning process. It is inspired by Rider’s recent 150th anniversary which embraced the tagline, Fulfilling the Promise. This tagline was, in turn, inspired by Andrew J. Rider himself as discussed in the historical books written by Dr. Walter A. Brower ’48, former Dean of the School of Education. Andrew J. Rider declared in 1883 that Rider’s future was full of promise.